10 QIB qualifiers Lions fans need to know for day 2

10 QIB qualifiers Lions fans need to know for day 2

The Lions addressed a major need at linebacker by selecting Jarrad Davis in round one. But they still have several needs to be filled, and day two has plenty of talented players.

While most fans acknowledge the holes on defense (and rightfully so), the Lions may choose to take their offense to the next level. The need to add another weapon on offense is real, and I believe they will pull the trigger Friday if the opportunity presents itself.

Defensive options are definitely still in play, but as we saw Thursday night, teams are willing to wait on those positions, where the talent runs so deep.

Here’s a look at 10 QIB qualifiers that Lions fans should be keeping an eye on in rounds two and three.

Chris Godwin, Penn State, wide receiver (partial qualifier)

If the Lions want an instant impact receiver, Chris Godwin has the potential to give them everything they want. A young, developing pass catcher, he has the upside to develop into the team’s top receiver.

A playmaker who can run routes over the middle as well as track the deep ball, Godwin’s ball skills will put him in play for the Lions at pick 53.

Success

Whoa!

Zay Jones, East Carolina, wide receiver (full qualifier)

A big (6-2) slot receiver, Jones would step into the vacated Anquan Boldin role and give Matthew Stafford another reliable weapon on offense. His role at East Carolina limited his route tree, but his range and athleticism was showcased at the Senior Bowl.

Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M, wide receiver (full)

Reynolds wins with size (6-3) and timing, by using his vertical speed to stretch a defense. His ball skills give him an advantage down the field and his ability to control his body at full speed, helps him win the contested ball more often than not.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC, wide receiver (partial)

Smith-Schuster is a possession receiver who wins with physical play and an aggressive demeanor. A faster version of Anquan Boldin, Smith-Schuster would compliment the other Lions receivers very nicely.

George Kittle, Iowa, tight end (full)

A complete tight end with elite blocking skills, George Kittle would compliment Eric Ebron as well as be insurance against him leaving the Lions after the season. He’s the top tight end left on my board but could still be on available at pick 85, as teams go after other athletes at tight end.

Tarell Basham, Ohio, edge rusher (full)

Basham has a perfect blend of size, length, speed and agility to be a closed left defensive end in the Lions system. An edge-setting run stuffer who attacks the ball, Basham plays with intensity and drive. He’s in play at 53 if he’s still on the board.

Jordan Willis, Kansas State, edge rusher (full)

Willis is an elite athlete who doesn’t always live up to his potential as a pass rusher on the field, but has the upside to outperform his draft slot. A solid edge setter, he is ready to contribute immediately as he develops his game more. Lions defensive line coach Kris Kocurek is known for maximizing a players potential and if he gets his hands on Willis there’s no telling how high his ceiling can go.

Kevin King, Washington, cornerback (partial)

Standing 6-3 with 4.43 speed and the best agility scores among the defensive backs group, Kevin King is exactly the type of player the Lions would love to add to their secondary. King was talked about as a potential first round option for Detroit and if he falls to pick 53 he will be hard to pass on.

Obi Melifonwu, Uconn, defensive back (partial)

At 6-4, 224, Melifonwu has freakish athleticism for his size. His combination of speed, explosion and agility is rare, so it’s no surprise the Lions have heavily scouted him. His game is still a bit raw but his cover skills are accomplished enough that some teams are considering him at cornerback.

Desmond King, Iowa, defensive back (full)

Desmond King as the potential to be the next Glover Quin. With elite instincts, ball skills and physical play, King should be able to make the transition from corner to safety smoothly. With eyes on the future, it’s easy to see how King could pair with Miles Killebrew as the teams starting safeties in 2018.